A Downtown Fairhope AL Engagement

My friends and family know that I have a lot of love for my high school alma mater, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. I learned what school spirit was when I went to McT. It’s something that has stayed with me ever since my high school years and is plentiful amongst McT alumni.

A few years ago, when the McT football team made it to the state championship game for the first time in school history, bus loads of students, parents, and alumni made the drive up to Tuscaloosa from Mobile for the big game. Sharon and Brandon were two of those alumni who made the trip. And that is where their love story begins.

Sharon and Brandon had been friends in high school and both attended the University of South Alabama for college. But, it wasn’t until they both found themselves celebrating the McGill-Toolen State Championship win that they really spent time one-on-one. After the game, their friend group dispersed and went their separate ways. Sharon and Brandon decided to grab a bite to eat together and suddenly they started to realize they liked each other more than friends. Isn’t that the sweetest story ever?!

Prior to meeting Sharon, I had a phone call from her uncle, who also happens to be the priest who is officiating her wedding! Fr. Steve was the chaplain at McGill-Toolen when I was in high school and I frequently photograph weddings that he officiates. I remember the day he called and asked me if I had any dates open in September. He wanted to give Sharon, his only niece, my contact information so that we could talk about wedding photography. I could immediately tell what a special place this sweet lady holds in her uncle’s heart. As soon as I met her, I could see exactly why.

If I could use a song to communicate just how joyful this session was it would be “This Little Light of Mine.” These two were just shining with joy, love and happiness! Sharon and Brandon were full of smiles throughout the session, despite the weather being far chillier than expected. I kept asking Sharon if she was okay (because she was sporting a sleeveless dress in the cold!), but they never once complained about the temperatures. They even braved the brisk wind coming off the bay for part of the session!

I have so many favorites from this downtown Fairhope engagement shoot, so prepare yourself for another huge engagement session preview! I seem to be getting worse and worse at narrowing these posts down! Enjoy!

I can never pass up a camellia bush that is in full bloom!

I love how these blooms make winter sessions look a bit like spring!

Sharon’s ring once belonged to her grandmother. I love when I find out special stories like that during an engagement session!

Y’all, this wind was FIERCE! Like, I’m-yelling-and-they-can’t-even-hear-me level of fierce.

But it was SO worth it to get these photos for these two!

You know it’s cold when there are zero fishermen on the Fairhope Pier at sunset. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen the pier this deserted. It meant that we could get some fun night portraits right at dusk without having to dodge fishing lines being cast out in the bay.

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